How Do You Make Treasure Candles?

Treasure candles are a delightful and creative way to combine the art of candle-making with the excitement of hidden treasures. These candles are not only beautiful and fragrant but also contain hidden surprises, such as jewellery, trinkets, or small collectables, that are revealed as the candle burns. Whether you are making them for yourself, as a special gift, or to sell, creating treasure candles can be a fun and rewarding process. In this post, we’ll take a step-by-step look at how to make treasure candles, along with some tips and tricks to ensure your candles are both safe and beautiful.

What You Need to Make Treasure Candles

Before diving into the process of making treasure candles, let’s first gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:

1. Wax – The type of wax you choose will affect the burn time, scent, and overall look of the candle. Common options include:

   • Soy wax: A popular choice for making candles due to its clean burn, easy moulding, and ability to hold fragrance well.

   • Beeswax: Known for its natural scent and golden hue, beeswax is another great option.

   • Paraffin wax: A more traditional wax that burns brightly and holds color well, but may release more soot.

   • Palm wax: Eco-friendly and provides a unique, crystalline appearance.

2. Wicks – Choose a wick that is appropriately sized for your candle’s container. Cotton, wood, or hemp wicks are popular options.

3. Fragrance oils – These will give your candle a lovely scent. Choose a fragrance that you like or one that complements the theme of the candle (such as lavender for relaxation or citrus for a refreshing vibe).

4. Dye – If you want your candle to have colour, candle dye (available in blocks, chips, or liquid form) is used to tint the wax.

5. Treasure – The surprise element of the candle. This can be anything from a small piece of jewellery (a ring, necklace, or bracelet) to a trinket, charm, or gemstone. Make sure the item is heat-resistant and small enough to fit inside the candle without affecting its burn.

6. Containers or moulds – You’ll need something to pour the wax into. Glass jars, metal tins, silicone moulds, or any heat-resistant container will work.

7. Double boiler or microwave-safe container – For melting the wax.

8. Thermometer – To ensure that the wax reaches the correct temperature for pouring.

9. Stir sticks – For mixing the fragrance and colour into the wax.
   

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Treasure Candles

Now that we have all our supplies, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your treasure candles:

Step 1: Prepare the Mold or Container

Start by preparing your mould or container. This could be a glass jar, metal tin, or silicone mould. Make sure it’s clean and dry before use. If you’re using a jar or tin, secure the wick at the centre of the bottom of the container. You can do this by using a wick sticker, a dab of melted wax, or even a bit of hot glue. To keep the wick centred while the wax sets, use a wick holder or clip to hold the wick in place.

Step 2: Prepare Your Treasure

Next, prepare the hidden treasure. It’s important to ensure that whatever you use as a treasure is heat-resistant and small enough to fit inside the container. Jewellery or charms that are wrapped in a heat-safe material, like foil or tissue paper, are often used in treasure candles. Be sure to check that your treasure is safe to be burned in a candle and will not create a fire hazard.

You can place the treasure at the bottom of the container or insert it once the wax has been poured halfway, depending on where you want the surprise to be. If you decide to put it halfway, you will need to wait for the first layer of wax to harden before adding the treasure.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Now it’s time to melt the wax. If you’re using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place your wax into the top pot, and allow it to melt slowly, stirring occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.

If you’re using a microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted.

Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. You’ll want the wax to reach about 170-180°F (77-82°C) for pouring. Be careful not to let the wax get too hot, as it may burn or lose its fragrance.

Step 4: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

Once your wax is melted, it’s time to add fragrance and dye. Stir in the fragrance oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. If you want to add colour, now is the time to add your candle dye. Start with a small amount and mix well, adding more until you reach your desired shade.

Be sure to mix thoroughly so that the fragrance and dye are evenly distributed throughout the wax.

Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Container

Now that the wax is ready, carefully pour it into the prepared container or mould. If you’re inserting the treasure halfway through, wait for the wax to harden a bit first (about 10-15 minutes), then place the treasure inside and continue pouring the rest of the wax over it. If you're using a container, be sure to leave a little space at the top to prevent spillage.

Make sure the wick stays centred as you pour, and don’t overfill the container. Leave some space for the candle to burn properly.

Step 6: Allow the Wax to Cool

Let the candle cool and harden for several hours or overnight. It’s important not to rush this process, as the wax needs to solidify completely. As the wax cools, it may shrink slightly. If this happens, simply top it off with more melted wax.

Step 7: Trim the Wick

Once the wax has fully hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle. This will help the candle burn evenly and prevent the wick from becoming too tall.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Treasure Candle!

Your treasure candle is now ready to be lit! As the candle burns, the wax will slowly reveal the hidden treasure, whether it’s a piece of jewellery or another delightful surprise. Make sure to burn the candle in a safe place, and always keep an eye on it while it’s lit.

Safety Tips for Making Treasure Candles

• Ensure the treasure is heat-resistant: Make sure the items you hide in the candle are safe to burn with the wax and won’t catch fire or release harmful chemicals. Avoid using items that are flammable or could cause harm when exposed to heat.

• Don’t overload the container: Be mindful of the size of the container and the amount of wax you’re using. Overloading it with too many items can affect how the candle burns and might cause uneven burning or wax spillage.

• Test the wick size: Use the appropriate wick size for your container. If the wick is too small, the candle may burn poorly; if it’s too large, it can cause excessive smoke or a large flame.

• Label the candle: If you’re giving a treasured candle as a gift, make sure to include a note that explains the treasure inside, especially if it’s a piece of jewellery or has specific care instructions.
  

Conclusion

Making treasure candles is a fun, creative, and rewarding process. Whether you're crafting them for personal use, as gifts, or to sell, the addition of a hidden surprise adds an element of excitement and luxury to your candle-making projects. With the right supplies, careful attention to detail, and a little creativity, you can make beautiful and unique treasure candles that offer both an aromatic experience and an unforgettable surprise. So, light up your creation, sit back, and let the adventure of discovering the hidden treasure begin!